The Maid of the Mountain — page 69: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE OUTLAWS OATH. — 71 sign to betray the presence, numbers, designs or acts of the League. I swear never to make the signs of the Leagne un- less in the service and interests of the League, I sweir to aid and succor a Brother in danger or distress, even at the tisk of life. I swear to serve the League by murder, rapine, rob- bery and theft. The man whois nota Brother, and has gold, I swear to treat as lawful prey.’ Should IT ever knowingly violate this, my lawful oath, I consent to be led, in an’ open manner, before band, my face uncovered ; then, in tlic presence of daggers, while the clfief repeats to me this solemn oath, I swear to. abide by the trial which I have in- curred. If I am condemned, the chief shall order the saéri- fice, which shall be a stab from each member of the ‘band in succession, taking care to avoid vital parts; then the chief. shall shoot me through the head. My flesh shall be cloven from my bones and burned to ashes. .My heart shall be taken froni my bosom and buried, but my bones shall remain in the cavern, as an everlasting memorial that I was then and there sacrificed to the avenging justice of the League. ‘So help me God, as I keep this vow !” — | The guilty wretch had been enduring the greatest agony while the chief was repeating the horrid pledge. He knew that he was doomed. He knew that all his crime was laid bare before the League, and that knew that, for 8 litle 7 gold, he had broken that fearful oath. As the last word sprung suddenly upon the leader and made’a vicious blow at him. Only his remarkable agility and strength of arm en- abled him to elude it. The traitor recoiléd, foaming at the mouth and casting savage glances about the room at the men “ Keep off!” he hissed. “Don’t dare to touch me. Twon’t “ Seize him, men!” cried the chief 4 <3 The meu sprung forward, when the inforiated criminal singled out the man who had informed against him, ‘and kill- ed him with a single stroke. Hewas then overpowered. All his defiant bearing and great strength seemed to Comé back to him at the hour of death. comliclooks.com